The death of Benedict XVI (1927-2022) moves numerous high-ranking German politicians and church representatives. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (64) expresses his sympathy on Twitter. The SPD politician writes: "As a 'German' Pope, Benedict XVI was a special church leader for many, not only in this country. The world is losing a formative figure in the Catholic Church, a combative personality and a clever theologian. My thoughts are with Pope Francis." .

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (66) also expresses his sadness and pays tribute to Benedict XVI. with moving words. "His faith, his intellect, his wisdom and his human modesty have always impressed me deeply," said Steinmeier.

Georg Bätzing (61), the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, also remembers the deceased Benedict XVI: "With the death of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, an impressive theologian and experienced shepherd is leaving us. We mourn a personality that belongs to the Church provided hope and direction even in difficult times." Bätzing concludes with the words: "In this hour of farewell I pray for him and commend him to the mercy of God."

Archbishop of Cologne Rainer Maria Woelki (66) married the late Benedict XVI. valued as a "deep spiritual thinker". The Pope Emeritus had "shaped and strengthened countless people in their faith". Benedict filled "all his offices" with "humility" and "courage".

"It is with great dismay that we have received the news that Pope Benedict has passed away. The CDU and the Union faction in the German Bundestag mourn the loss of the long-standing head of the Catholic Church," explains CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz (67) on Twitter.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner (43) also expresses his sympathy on the news service. The FDP chairman writes: "Benedict XVI was a personality steeped in history and a not undisputed intellectual. But today we commemorate him as a human being."

The Bavarian Prime Minister and CSU Chairman Markus Söder (55) also mourns the retired Pope, who was born in Marktl in Upper Bavaria in 1927, on Twitter. Söder writes: "We mourn our Bavarian Pope. The death of Benedict XVI touches me, like many other people, very much."

Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (54) also speaks up. The SPD politician wrote on Twitter: "I have expressed my condolences to Pope Francis on the death of Pope Benedict XVI. [...] May he rest in peace." Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann (45) explains: "Benedict XVI will be remembered for a long time as the 'German Pope'".